Why Chiang Mai is the BEST Place in Thailand for Expats! 🇹🇭

[@ChiangMaiThaiVideoVlog]

Jon is going next level, it seems. And I even recognized some locations like at 10:00 ! Good job, mate!

[@jondcanton]

Thanks Jaco!

[@AkeLoveyou-lh1sn]

As a Thai person...Chiangmai is the best city in Thailand and Thank u for loving Chiangmai❤🙏🤟🇹🇭 ( 2nd city is Huahin 3rd is Khouyai)

[@jondcanton]

Thanks, yep Chiang Mai is the best for me :)

[@GazCooper]

Thanks for passing by the Chippy at the Gate Jon and appreciate the kind words we are just getting started in the new location so appreciate the plug as well mate Catch ya next time

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate, yeah reminded me of the fish and chips I used to have years and years ago, I will be back 😀

[@Arcticnick]

Looks awesome.

[@wanderingwiganer]

Just subscribed great vlog with great narration too - Chiang Mai is my favourite place in Thailand I'll be back this year for sure!

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate, appreciate that!

[@thetravellingsocialworker]

Yes I left Bangkok to live in Chiang Mai and love it.

[@jondcanton]

Nice, yeah love it here!

[@thetravellingsocialworker]

@@jondcanton Only bad thing is the smoking season, but outside of that I think its a really balanced lifestyle

[@MrHodl99]

hey john , the new style is great ! editing is engaging and not distracting (retention editing).

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate :)

[@markdamon6696]

Thanks Jon, I enjoyed the tour and look forward to a visit.

[@jondcanton]

Thanks Mark

[@jeremyoliviervoice]

Jon, that is an awesome video! I have a fun khao soi recommendation that some European guy gave me. So, there is a coffee shop on the corner by the Chiang Mai Gate that is across the street from the street stalls. This guy told me that he lived in Chiang Mai for 8 years and he says that the best Khao Soi is made by the old man who runs a stall next to the brick wall just before you enter the Chiang Mai gate in the food stalls area. This European gentleman told me that, "it's not khao soi if the chicken isn't on the bone." He said to look for the old man stirring ingredients in a huge bowl. I waited until that night and, just as he said, I had my first khao soi and it was very delicious. Maybe something worth checking out.

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate! I think I know which place you mean, can’t go wrong with a good khao soi :)

[@Mike-du1dc]

All true & for the reasons you mentioned we do miss it! Thanks for the walk around!!

[@jondcanton]

Thanks 🙏

[@frankiefourfingers6717]

Lovely place but the burning season is ruining it. It is officially top 3 of polluted cities in the world. So for me it’s a no thanks

[@Rowestah]

I agree. Also not a fan of the colder climate. Have enough of that back home in the US.

[@bobevans9996]

@@Rowestah where in usa usa is so big ca is summer/aircon daytime n winter/heater at night

[@jondcanton]

Yep that’s the big let down, it should be better in a few weeks hopefully

[@Rowestah]

@@bobevans9996 North East

[@Anomalyy666]

That's why it's soo cheap. Always a cost

[@RoOnTheGo]

I love Thailand and i've travelled all over Thailand and CM is very beautifull, because i'm a temple goeroe and i've seen more than 300 temples in Thailand, but CM is not that lively / dynamic than BKK so i prefer BKK. Also the ocean at Pattaya is nearby and is 1 1/2 hour drive from BKK.

[@jondcanton]

Thanks :)

[@louis20122]

Wish there was no burning season or at least finding an alternative way so the air is less poluted.

[@jondcanton]

Yep, that's really the only negative about Chiang Mai

[@bobjsim03857]

I wish I could ride a unicorn to the moon

[@wjv1334]

Does anyone know the name of the restaurant at 7:16?

[@exalhoa]

Chum Northern Kitchen @ Old City. I did some sleuthing because I recognized it as a place I had been to before. We also had lunch at Huen Phen (where Jon ate) several times. This was two years ago, but as I remember, everything was delicious. I'm headed back to Chiang Mai this summer so I will definitely try them again.

[@wjv1334]

@@exalhoa Thanks Exelhoa. Will try them on my next visit as well.

[@VittoShulman]

What about air quality there - is it breathable?

[@tsif7828]

One of the worst places on earth and it's a killer literally

[@masonchase4599]

Hey Jon!! Been living in Chiang Mai about 8 months now and completely love it as well. Can you recommend any books or places here to learn more about the history of the city and culture? I tried checking out the City Arts and Cultural center @3:49 but want more of a deep dive. Thanks and beautiful vid! Makes me appreciate this place even more

[@jondcanton]

I’ve read a few books. Thailand: A Short History was good. Also more but I can’t remember those ones :)I’d check out Asia Books near Gekko Garden a great selection there :)

[@kwhatten]

Check out CM National Museum, about 300m further West from Wat Jed Yod on Superhighway.

[@johng4093]

A Guide to Northern Thailand and the Ancient Kingdom of Lanna by Michael Freeman. Highly recommended.

[@michis.2729]

Hi, which area of chang mai would you recommend to stay for a digital nomad (about 3 weeks) close to coffee shops, bars, night market and working space

[@jondcanton]

Would have to say the Nimman area would be a great option :)

[@michis.2729]

Thank you for answer.Yes that sounds good

[@williambreeze2659]

I'm thinking about staying in Chiang Mai late 2025 for about a year. Going to do some studying, and my budget plan will be about 1k per month.

[@stewartcameron1516]

You didn't say how much it was for the Fish & Chips ???

[@jondcanton]

Prices are around 300 baht give or take, great quality :)

[@traceylankford8579]

How have you learned the language so well?

[@jondcanton]

Unfortunately I can’t speak Thai so we’ll :)

[@SECRETPURPOSE]

​@@jondcantonJon is being modest

[@gorillapancake]

Hey Jon, That's a really nice white building on the left at 3:40. Is that a hotel?

[@jondcanton]

I'm not sure actually, I think it may be

[@atn2666]

what do you do during burning season?

[@jondcanton]

Air purifiers :)

[@vonteboyd1849]

I hear the air quality is terrible there. Any truth to that?

[@jondcanton]

Some of the year yes

[@martinwalker9234]

There are some nice local restaurants on the small soi's off Loh Kroh road....one of the best is about half way down, turn right on Soi 1, walk past the Number one bar and past the scooter hire shop to a small restaurant on the left called 'Aum and Camrons' ....excellent thai food and reasonably priced beer....a lot of the bar girls from Loh Kroh eat here and take aways are constantly leaving the shop to be delivered to girls working in the bars....

[@uweballmann6692]

If you like Lung cancer, yes it's a good place to stay. Several month a year heavy air pollution is a no go for me.

[@jondcanton]

Pollution is an issue, about 8 people per 100,000 extra die per year in the north than in the south

[@tsif7828]

Ive lived here a few years now and must agree with you, it's a deal killer, and a people killer. I'm older than the presenter here but now in April I can't sleep, can't concentrate, can't go to the gym, feel like garbage

[@Muadib223]

I've lived in Chiang Mai for over a decade... Some years it's bad, some not... When it's bad during smokey season, we go to Hua Hin for a couple of months... The beach is a nice change from the mountains...

[@fx-studio]

CM lost its charm years ago.

[@kwhatten]

@@fx-studio 55! What I used to say about Koh Samui 25 years ago! And in ten years, someone who is just now starting a life in CM, will say the same!

[@jeanhanon]

I agree, chiang mai is a great place to stay, except during 3 months of the year when Chiang mai is one of the most polluted cities of the world

[@minesforlife2370]

What months

[@ronwest4930]

4-5 months !!!

[@peterboy1438]

Jon, this video could be much more detailed and informative: Did the 60 baht include the Pepsi? How much was the fish and chips? How much was the Indian food? What about showing more supermarket prices? I can buy cheese and salmon cheaper at COSTCO (Hawai'i) - so I guess the supermarket food is way more expensive than in Hawai'i . What about rent? How about showing some of that "amazing" scenery? "Best Place" should encompass' much more. Thanks for the video though. Aloha

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

Indeed.

[@robertmaloney2255]

So you want a meal and a Pepsi for 60 baht lol you must be British, northern

[@chronic2023]

I am coming to Chiang Mai for 9 days in November (28 days in total in Thailand) to escape the Scandinavian fall. 😅 Looking forward to it. 😊

[@cptnbennett]

The food point is moot since most other large Thai cities also have food from every country as well.

[@kwhatten]

Try khao soi Mae Sai, a bit behind Shinawatra silk (across from the defunct Kad Suan Kaew).

[@TheGandorX]

What about burning season?

[@jondcanton]

That's probably the only negative, for me it's just part of it

[@toastedsandwich2474]

Do you mind me asking where you get your health insurance from? Thanks

[@jondcanton]

I use AXA

[@toastedsandwich2474]

@@jondcanton Thank you bud

[@bluto212]

Access to fresh vegetables?

[@yabanjin5296]

Thanks for the tour it was fantastic! We are considering moving to Thailand as a family of 3 with a 3yr old. What about international schools and expat family communities like? And what is a good budget? We are thinking $6k AUD or $4k USD

[@jondcanton]

Thanks! Good luck on the move, International schools are expensive in Thailand, maybe $10k a year plus but if that's in your budget there are lots of choices available. $4k a month would be a great budget in Chiang Mai!

[@dougsinthailand7176]

My wife, here in Chiangmai, is a real estate agent; she can set you up with a rental home in a beautiful moobaan, or a conveniently located condominium. PM for details.

[@steviep68]

Nice video 👍🙏but the whole video seemed to be filmed on a highway! . Exploit the beauty there please 🙏

[@jondcanton]

Yeah I was just around the main city for this videos

[@sholaebofin6090]

Thanks for the historical breakdown of this special city in sick of Bangkok and pattaya and need some real authentic culture

[@jondcanton]

Thanks, appreciate your comment :)

[@roberthornbrook8374]

Jon I watched a video of a guy in chaing Mia he got a condo because of your video he got fish and chips 50 thai baht wow I would have it every Friday lol 😂

[@jondcanton]

Ah yeah I think I know who you mean :)

[@peteswandering2768]

Just moved here last week

[@jondcanton]

Nice!

[@bigbrotheriswatching8709]

Good list, but I'm surprised you didn't mention CM's cooler climate compared to the rest of Thailand. Even this time of year, the evenings in CM drop down to a pleasant 22° C, whereas Bangkok never drops below a sweltering 29° for weeks.

[@jondcanton]

Yeah true the weather here is more pleasant than further down south :)

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Jon

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate

[@Tbaz-u4r]

Do they have public toilets in Chiang Mai? 🤔🤔🤔

[@jondcanton]

Not sure on that actually

[@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL]

Are you not feeling the smoke ?

[@jondcanton]

The big negative of Chiang Mai!

[@ORIGINOLINDIVIDUAL]

@@jondcanton Just did 2 days in San Pa Tong & left, Can feel it in my chest & throat. AQI of 160+ It’s not for me. such a shame as its a Beautiful part of Thailand.

[@johng4093]

It's only part of the season, can be avoided if you plan ahead and have the means.

[@jh13026]

Hi mate , great video . Do you think $2k a month in Chiang mai on a ED Visa (learning Thai) would be a comfortable time ?

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate, yeah $2k a month would give you a great time in Chiang Mai :)

[@brandonjoseph3422]

Hi Jon, you speak fluent Thai. How long did you take to learn it

[@jondcanton]

No, I can get by but not fluent unfortunately, still a long way to go :)

[@georgem5360]

Nice video!

[@jondcanton]

Thanks :)

[@lisaanderson7292]

When is the burning season Jon as we are going there end of May for a month.

[@StarLight-lt2tm]

Should be fine as long as the rains start.

[@Arcticnick]

Rimping! The greatest place on Earth. If you can afford the prices. A standard size tin of Abalone yesterday cost 11, 500 Bht.

[@Arcticnick]

I haven't had cheese in ages!

[@jondcanton]

Yep, Rimping is awesome!

[@Arcticnick]

@@jondcanton 100%. Great vids, BTW.

[@jondcanton]

@@Arcticnick Thanks mate appreciate that :)

[@Arcticnick]

@@jondcanton Chiang Mai totally rocks. I just love it here. Am based in Don Kaeo, Saraphi, I think near where you were before.

[@GEORGEDREW-zo1bu]

Not Chiang mai not liveable for 1/4 of the year due to burning season.

[@KhunMike3755]

Yeah 8 months a year.

[@jim-uu2db]

Bad thing is no good public transportation,

[@shaqisumari304]

Wow its like Singapore, so clean and efficient

[@jondcanton]

Chiang Mai is great!

[@davidramsy3048]

I lived in chaing mai for 8 months l would never live there again😊 I have lived in Thailand for 19 years😊

[@SECRETPURPOSE]

Why would you never live there again?

[@marktyson716]

Why does every vlogger use the word "cheap"? It makes everything seem like it is poor quality. Do love the video, well done, and thank you.

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate, yeah maybe should say affordable :)

[@KeepingItRealBro]

It's poor quality in reality though. Hit the nail on the head. At least it used to be cheap, not nowadays

[@ferney2936]

In British English, cheap just means inexpensive & carries no connotation of shoddiness as it does in American English

[@johng4093]

Cheap in reference to prices has no bad connotation, cheap in reference to quality does (American English).

[@dougsinthailand7176]

Chiang Mai is just big enough and just big enough a draw to have all the necessities of life, but none of the drawbacks of an ultra large city like Bangkok.

[@GEORGEDREW-zo1bu]

The traffic jam is getting worse.Now about the same as Bangkok

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate

[@cjinasia9266]

#1, It is not Pattaya. It is a lovely city of a manageable size with a large and active expat community. Chiang Mai would easily be my second choice, but my wife is in Chiang Rai.

[@huagrapo]

Best city in Thailand for expats 9 months of the year; sadly, one of the worst during the other 3.

[@chrisshearer845]

Fish and chips, you've never been to Sharples then ha

[@MarkThackeray-h3l]

I like Chang mai but couldn’t live there,Chang rai is better,but bottom line it’s not great if you like the beach,healthcare is amazing anywhere in Thailand, ITS NOT FOR ME,I live in Jomtien and it has absolutely everything for me and 500 yards from the beach 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SpiderDice]

Yeah but that smoky season...

[@adhs-hilfe]

I hate everyone and everything. But you is a cool potato. Keep it up. Honest and nice. :)

[@jondcanton]

Thanks mate :)

[@johng4093]

I like Chiang Mai for its history and culture, less crowded and hectic than BKK, the entire old city is very walkable. Nearby small cities Lampang, Lamphun also interesting day trips.

[@robertmaloney2255]

This is just about food, there's much more when deciding where to live lol

[@roygoad2870]

Don’t forget Chiang Rai, smaller and quieter cousin of Chiang Mai!

[@jondcanton]

Yep Chiang Rai is great as well!

[@ScooterOnHisWay2024]

Don't forget "BYOOT" - bring your own oxygen tank!

[@onelifefreedom5646]

Not true, I am living more than 20 years in Lampang, you should try before making suggestions to quick

[@wesgraham2262]

Chiang Mai may be cheaper to live but it is horribly smoky for 3-4 months during the burning season when no one can breathe or see anything. Also, no beautiful beaches. No thanks!

[@chrisgiles1694]

No no beach and smoky several months

[@clivebaxter6354]

Only been twice, did not think much of it, quite boring.

[@212Roger]

Granted, Chiang Mai is not exciting like Pattaya or Las Vegas. But who wants to live there? Chiang Mai is a great city to retire; better than ugly barren Arizona!

[@louis20122]

​@@212RogerI would agree about Arizona. I am not a big fan of desert.

[@chuckg3487]

@@212RogerAZ is awesome smh.

[@stephencooke3088]

No each, no big cool malls like Bangkok no other special shops or areas to explore like Bangkok, talking markets etc. not so many bars, too hot and too cold, far from Bangkok hua gin etc.

[@jondcanton]

Quite a few malls here, Central Airport, Central Festival, Maya are the main ones.

[@markseymour8365]

I wouldn't call Bangkok Hospital affordable. Not for most of the expats living in CM that I've encountered. The food is much better, with higher quality cuts of meat etc. in Bangkok. The city (CM) is quite dirty, polluted and unattractive. Western food and goods are far more readily available in Bangkok and frequently cheaper too. Having lived in both cities, I have to disagree with your assertion that Chiang Mai is the best place for expats: Bangkok beats it in every meaningful metric.

[@terrylee8333]

tell everyone in usa dollars

[@markseymour8365]

Those look like frozen chips.

[@michaelgreenwood4014]

Air pollution is out of control.

[@jimshelley8831]

No thanks great to visit but not live , burning season and lack of public transport , it's much easier and better in Bangkok.

[@80ProofRecordsMediaServices]

Showing the hard rock is not a good recommendation to move to Chang Mai :)

[@jondcanton]

Haha, it did say Chiang Mai on it though :)

[@guymandudely324]

If you have any respiratory problems, Chiang Mai is the worst city in Thailand for you, even worse than Bangkok. Every year during crop burning season hundreds end up in hospitals gasping for breath. Keep that in mind if you believe CM is Shangri-La.

[@truckerfromreno]

I didn't like the look of the batter on that fish.

[@jondcanton]

I thought it was great tbh, worth a try :)

[@louis20122]

You don't seem to impress with Bangkok.

[@jondcanton]

I like Bangkok but just find it's changing too fast :)

[@johnm1859]

Another deluded blogger 😅😅 I was there in Feb and pollution was awful, apparently equilivant to 2 packets of cigarettes a day ! Thai culture is very opaque and if you can not speak Thai you will always be outsider . New laws means that retires will be taxed on any income earned outside of the country. Yes there are temples in old city but there is nothing really to do except eat and drink Thai tea.

[@SweetJennyFan]

Don’t buy Guinness in Chiang Mai ! 😢

[@WernerVotava]

Adverti Ser !!! Stop you have to go to the border run !!!!!

[@Realworldnews247]

Chiangmai is one of the most polluted cities in the world

[@georgeburns8447]

The place looks like a sh*thole. I'm glad I watched this video. Now I know I have absolutely no interest in going to Thailand.

[@bobevans9996]

where r u from bro

[@jondcanton]

Originally from the UK

[@jeffrussell488]

Chiang Mai is shit 😂

[@monaezytwo6513]

Most points are subjective so I cannot agree Chiang Mai is the place for me. Not to mention you left out the many negatives of Chiang Mai.

[@KeepingItRealBro]

Narrative of this channel. Highly subjective content.